Sizing and construction method for custom fit leotards and one-piece swimwear

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for garment construction and size selection are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Patent Application No. 62/796,729, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, entitled“SIZING AND CONSTRUCTION METHOD FOR CUSTOM FIT LEOTARDS AND ONE-PIECESWIMWEAR”, which application is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure pertains generally to clothing, and moreparticularly to sizing and construction methods for leotards andswimwear.

The clothing industry has undergone many changes in the past severaldecades. Although clothing can still be custom-made, such luxuries areusually reserved for specialty clothing such as men's suits, ladies'dresses, etc. Even in these cases, the original article of clothingcomes in a standard size, e.g., 46 long suit, size 10 dress, etc., andis tailored to fit the individual.

Further, the clothing industry has gone to somewhat standard sizing(XS-XL) in many clothing areas, e.g., t-shirts, dancewear such asleotards, swimwear, shirts, pants, etc. The standardized sizing approachis easier for manufacturers, but does not take into account the manynuances of the body that make every person unique.

Perhaps a person's torso is longer or shorter than the measurements thatare used in the standard XS-XL sizing. Perhaps the wearer has a broaderchest, modest cup size, or a narrow body type, with a larger bust size.Whether the wearer has a body shape that can be described as pearshaped, hourglass, apple or banana, the standardized sizing is notcustomized enough for certain types of clothing, e.g., leotards andswimwear.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise methods for sizing andconstruction of garments. The user can specify various measurements toprovide a more customized fit for the clothing garments, which mayinclude leotards, swimwear, and/or other stretch-style garments.

A method for constructing a garment in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure comprises selecting a size of a bodice portion basedat least in part on a bust measurement, selecting a size of a bottomportion based at least in part on a waist measurement and a hipsmeasurement, selecting a length of the bottom portion based at least inpart on a length measurement; and coupling the bodice portion to thebottom portion.

Such a method may further optionally include selecting a size of thebodice portion being further based on a bra cup size, the garment beinga swimsuit and/or a leotard, the size of the bodice portion and/or thebottom portion ranging from a size 0 to a size 8 and/or from a sizeextra small (XS) to a size extra large (XL), and the size of the bodiceportion only being pairable with a subset of the sizes of the bottomportion, and in which a size of the garment is selected from a groupconsisting of short, medium, and long.

The above summary has outlined, rather broadly, some features andtechnical advantages of the present disclosure in order that thedetailed description that follows may be better understood. Additionalfeatures and advantages of the disclosure will be described below. Itshould be appreciated that this disclosure may be readily utilized as abasis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out thesame purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized thatsuch equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of thedisclosure. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristicof the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages, will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a measurement of a person's bust or chest inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a measurement of a person's waist in accordance withan aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a measurement of a person's hips in accordance withan aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a measurement of a person's step-through length inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a single piece garment in an exploded view inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6-8 illustrates a cross-pairing of medium length bodices andbottoms for a single piece garment in an exploded view in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a process flow in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed toward a method of determining aproper sized garment and a sizing schema for producing such garments.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference tocross-sectional, block diagrams, and/or view illustrations that areschematic illustrations of embodiments of the disclosure. As such, theactual dimensions of elements can be different, and variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the disclosureshould not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of theregions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes thatresult, for example, from manufacturing. A region illustrated ordescribed as square or rectangular may have slightly rounded or curvedfeatures due to normal manufacturing tolerances. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. It is understoodthat the shapes, sizes, and locations in the attached figures may not beto scale.

Overview

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a set of measurements isdetermined such that a wearer can select a multifaceted size that willprovide a more customized fit leotard. A leotard that does not gap inthe low back or under the bust, or have the wearer constantly tuggingdown or pulling up, but fits like a glove and is flattering, may be morereadily provided by the descriptions in the present disclosure.

In particular, dancers' measurements and body types do not often fitwithin the standard XS-XL garment sizes. In an aspect of the presentdisclosure, a method for producing custom fit, everyday wear such asleotards and the like is disclosed.

A sizing and construction method in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure allows for a garment size to comprise a plurality ofcomponents, which may be three or four components (or some other numberof components) allows garments to be constructed by using a sizing chartbased on personal measurements. to create a custom fit leotard orone-piece swimwear garment.

In aspects of the present disclosure, a three or four part sizing chart,and subsequent four element garment “size” allows the consumer to selecta more customized size for each of the component factors used inconstruction of the garment. The consumer locates their personalmeasurements on size charts to select their overall garment sizing. Themeasurements are commonly known by most apparel consumers, or can beeasily ascertained using industry standard methods.

A leotard or one-piece swim garment that takes into account one'satypical proportions will provide a more ideal fit. Such garments willhave reduced improper fit issues, giving athletes and non-athletes alikethe confidence and freedom to focus and perform their work, recreationalactivity or simply sunbathe, in a garment that fits properly withoutdistraction or discomfort.

FIG. 1 illustrates a measurement of a person's bust or chest inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a mannequin 100 and a measuring tape 102. Tape 102may be used to measure a person's bust or chest at location 104 on aperson's body, as shown as location 104 on mannequin 100. Location 104is often the fullest part of a person's chest or bust. A measurement atlocation 104 typically results in a measurement in the range of 27″-39″but may be more or less without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a measurement of a person's waist in accordance withan aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 again illustrates mannequin 100 and tape 102. Tape 102 may alsobe used to measure a person's waist at location 106 on a person's body,as shown as location 106 on mannequin 100. Location 106 is often thenarrowest part of the person's waist or torso. A measurement at location106 typically results in a measurement in the range of 22″-34″ but maybe more or less without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a measurement of a person's hips in accordance withan aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 again illustrates mannequin 100 and tape 102. Tape 102 may alsobe used to measure a person's hips (also called the “low hips”) atlocation 108 on a person's body, as shown as location 106 on mannequin100. Location 108 is the widest part of the person's waist. Ameasurement at location 108 typically results in a measurement in therange of 31″-43″ but may be more or less without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a measurement of a person's step-through length inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 again illustrates mannequin 100 and tape 102. Tape 102 may alsobe used to measure a person's torso girth and thus length, or“step-through” length at location 110 on a person's body, as shown aslocation 106 on mannequin 100. Location 110 is at the midpoint of theperson's shoulder, and should run along the front of a person's body,between the legs, and up along the back of the body, back to location110. be taken when the person is standing upright and straight. is thewidest part of the person's waist. A measurement at location 110typically results in a measurement in the range of 53″-63″ but may bemore or less without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Once the four measurements shown in FIGS. 1-4 are made, and with theknowledge of a person's bra “cup” size, a person's individual size maybe determined in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

TABLE 1 is a sizing chart showing the process of selecting a four partsize in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

TABLE 1 Bodice Size size 0 size 2 size 4 size 6 size 8 Bust Measurement27″-29″ 29″-32″ 32″-34″ 34″-37″ 37″-39″ Cup Size A B C D DD Bottom HalfSize size 0 size 2 size 4 size 6 size 8 Waist Measurement 22″-24″24″-26″ 26″-29″ 29″-32″ 32″-34″ Low hip 31″-33″ 33″-35″ 35″-38″ 38″-41″41″-43″ Measurement Length Short (S) Medium (M) Long (L) TorsoMeasurement 53″-55″ 55″-58″ 58″-63″

Size Determination Example

After performing the measurements described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, aperson may have a measurement 104 of 30 inches (chest/bust), ameasurement 106 of 27 inches (waist), a measurement 108 of 36 inches(hips), and a measurement 110 of 60 inches (step-through length). Ifthis person also has a bra cup size of “B”, then according to Table 1 agarment that would properly fit this person would be of a size 2-B-4-L,as those ranges fit the measurements made and known for such a person.It can be seen that other sizes and measurements may be included inTABLE 1 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A garment may then be constructed/manufactured by selecting theappropriate pattern piece sizes that have been graded using conventionalgrading methods, and joining them at the full seam around the waist ofthe garment, using conventional materials such as nylon spandex, cottonlycra, or the like, in one or multiple colors or designs (modern,vintage, etc.). A construction/pattern method in accordance with anaspect of the present disclosure is described below.

FIG. 5 illustrates a single piece garment in an exploded view inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

A leotard 200, often attached at the waist, comprises a bodice 202 and abottom 204. Each of the measurements taken with respect to FIGS. 1-4correspond to various sizes of each of these components 202 and 204.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-pairing of medium length bodices and bottomsfor a single piece garment in an exploded view in accordance with anaspect of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 6, bodices 202A-202E represent pattern pieces forconstructing bodices having sizes 0-8, respectively. These bodices 202can also comprise a fabric pattern for an A-B cup size, althoughadditional bodices 202 can be used to accommodate other cup sizes asdesired. These bottom pieces 204 can be used to accommodate otherlengths, such as long or short, as desired.

Bottom pieces 204A-204E represent pattern pieces for constructing bottompieces having sizes 0-8 respectively. These bottom pieces 204 can alsocomprise a medium length, although additional bottom pieces 204 can beused to accommodate other lengths, such as long or short, as desired.

FIG. 6 illustrates an aspect of the present disclosure where each of thebodices 202A-202E are paired with their two or three “nearest neighbors”of bottom pieces 204A-204E. For example, and not by way of limitation,bodice 202B is paired with bottoms 204A, 204B, and 204C, as the mostlikely body shape will be with those three bottoms 204. However, FIG. 7illustrates another aspect of the present disclosure where each bodice202 can be paired with any bottom 204.

FIG. 8 illustrates a similar concept to FIG. 6, with XS-XL sizinginstead of 0-8 sizing in another aspect of the present disclosure.

As with FIG. 6, FIG. 8 shows a size chart that can use XS-XL sizing.Such an approach may result in a three part sizing structure.

TABLE 2 XS S M L XL Select bodice size Bust Measurement 27″-29″ 29″-32″32″-34″ 34″-37″ 37″-39″ Select bottom half size Waist Measurement22″-24″ 24″-26″ 26″-29″ 29″-32″ 32″-34″ Low hip 31″-33″ 33″-35″ 35″-38″38″-41″ 41″-43″ Measurement Select length Short Medium Long TorsoMeasurement 53″-55″ 55″-58″ 58″-63″

Three Part Size Example

After performing the measurements described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, aperson may have a measurement 104 of 30 inches (chest/bust), ameasurement 106 of 29 inches (waist), a measurement 108 of 39 inches(hips), and a measurement 110 of 56 inches (step-through length).According to Table 2 a garment that would properly fit this person wouldbe of a size S-L-M, as those ranges fit the measurements made and knownfor such a person. It can be seen that other sizes and measurements maybe included in TABLE 2 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a process flow in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure.

Process flow 900 comprises block 902, which represents selecting a sizeof a bodice portion based at least in part on a bust measurement.Process flow 900 further comprises block 904, which represents selectinga size of a bottom portion based at least in part on a waist measurementand a hips measurement. Process flow 900 further comprises block 906,which represents selecting a length of the garment based at least inpart on a length measurement. Process flow 900 further comprises block908, which represents coupling the bodice portion to the bottom portion.

The present disclosure is described herein with reference to certainembodiments, but it is understood that the disclosure can be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. In particular, the present disclosure isdescribed below in regards to certain modules having features indifferent configurations, but it is understood that the presentdisclosure can be used for many other modules and/or configurations. Themodules and systems can also have many different shapes beyond thosedescribed below.

All physical dimensions, weights, temperatures, etc. in the descriptionand attached drawings are exemplary in nature. It is understood thatembodiments of the present disclosure can have variousdimensions/weights/temperatures/etc. varying from those shown in theattached drawings.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been describedin detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutionsand alterations can be made herein without departing from the technologyof the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. It should also beunderstood that when a feature or element may be referred to as being“on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may also be present unless specifically statedotherwise. Furthermore, relative terms such as “inner”, “outer”,“upper”, “above”, “lower”, “beneath”, and “below”, and similar terms,may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element orattribute to another. With regard to the figures, it is to be understoodthat these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in addition to the orientation depicted.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to belimited to the particular configurations of the process, machine,manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and/or stepsdescribed in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art willreadily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines,manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, and/or steps,presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantiallythe same function or achieve substantially the same result as thecorresponding configurations described herein may be utilized accordingto the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intendedto include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, and/or steps.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, and/or sections, these elements,components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by theseterms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component,region, or section from another element, component, region, or section.Thus, a first module, element, component, region, or section discussedbelow could be termed a second module, element, component, region, orsection without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The description of the disclosure is provided to enable any personreasonably skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Variousmodifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scopeof the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited tothe examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of constructing a garment, comprising:selecting a size of a bodice portion based at least in part on a bustmeasurement; selecting a size of a bottom portion based at least in parton a waist measurement and a hips measurement; selecting a length of thebottom portion based at least in part on a length measurement; andcoupling the bodice portion to the bottom portion.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, in which selecting a size of the bodice portion is furtherbased on a bra cup size.
 3. The method of claim 2, in which the garmentis a swimsuit.
 4. The method of claim 2, in which the garment is aleotard.
 5. The method of claim 1, in which the size of the bodiceportion ranges from a size 0 to a size
 8. 6. The method of claim 6, inwhich the size of the bottom portion ranges from a size 0 to a size 8.7. The method of claim 1, in which the size of the bodice portion rangesfrom a size extra small (XS) to a size extra large (XL).
 8. The methodof claim 1, in which size of the bottom portion ranges from a size extrasmall (XS) to a size extra large (XL).
 9. The method of claim 1, inwhich the size of the bodice portion is only pairable with a subset ofthe sizes of the bottom portion.
 10. The method of claim 1, in which asize of the garment is selected from a group consisting of short,medium, and long.